You may have moved in with your partner, inherited a house from a family member or invested in a buy-to-let property. However you arrived at the position of having a spare house, it would be advantageous financially to make the property work for you. If you decide to let it out to provide you with an income, there are a few practical things that you, as a landlord, need to consider when decorating your rental property.

Keep it neutral

Paint the walls the same colour throughout – easier to touch up when the tenant moves out. You can buy decorator’s sized tubs of magnolia, brilliant white or similar. This is particularly economical and time-saving if you have more than one rental property – you can decorate them all in the same colour and brand of paint. Not only is a simple, neutral interior good for a landlord, potential tenants would rather move into a house or flat that is bright and light with a fresh lick of paint.

Similarly, if you’re renovating the bathroom, a plain white bath suite and plain white tiles are not only more economical, they’ll be preferable to a renter too.

Make it hard-wearing

Landlords should be realistic and expect some degree of wear & tear on their property. This is especially so if the house will be lived in by students or children.

Lay vinyl or wood-effect laminate flooring in heavy traffic areas such as hallways and kitchens. In bedrooms and sitting rooms, install carpets that are stain repellent and are easy to clean. Where possible, choose paint for walls and doors that is scuff-resistant and can be easily cleaned with hot soapy water.

Unless you’ll be leasing out a luxury apartment or manor house, don’t leave any furniture, fittings or accessories that are of considerable worth or have sentimental value. Just think, is it worth the risk of them getting damaged or destroyed?

Ensure it’s safe

There are stringent health and safety regulations that you need to adhere to when you let a property. Avoid the possibility of gas leaks, faulty electrical wiring and other fire hazards. Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and regularly check that they are in working order. Ensure that any electrical appliances provided such as kettles, toasters and microwaves have been PAT tested.

Fitting something as cheap and simple as anti-overflow sink and bath plugs will avert leaks that can lead to costly repairs. stairs/bannisters

Also, be security-aware – check that locks on doors and windows of the house, garage or out-buildings are secure and comply with your insurance policy. Check here to compare landlord insurance plans.

Make it practical

Will your property be marketed to potential tenants as furnished or unfurnished? If it’s to be the former, provide simple, economical yet robust furniture. Invest in flat-pack beds, tables & chairs and storage solutions from retailers such as IKEA, Argos and Habitat. Opt for a sofa or suite with removable covers that can be removed and laundered. When buying mattresses, spend a little extra and include mattress protectors.

Remember to provide basic details and practical items such as kettle, toaster, cutlery, tin opener, shower curtain and ironing board. Related to this, it’s important to conduct a thorough stock take prior to the tenant moving in; it will avert problems when it comes to their moving out day.

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